08/04/2014
Sinn Féin To Table Wind Turbine Regulation Bill
Sinn Féin will introduce the second stage debate Wind Turbine Regulations Bill 2014 during it's Private Members time this week.
The Bill layout the party's proposals on the construction of industrial wind turbines, set back distances from properties and the use of energy generated from these wind turbines.
"This bill attempts to impose proper regulation of all aspects of wind turbine construction," Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Brian Stanley said.
Adding: "This includes proper zoning of areas for wind turbine developments, the duties of planning authorities, setback distances and the responsibility of decommissioning wind turbines.
"The Critical Infrastructure Act 2006, rammed through the Dáil by Fianna Fáil, can be used at present to override County Development Plans made by democratically elected Councillors.
"Our Bill restores the primacy of County Development Plans in that Wind Farms must be located only in areas zoned by local Councillors. Wind Farm projects must be consisted with County Development Plans.
"Many residents in the midlands have been rightly concerned about proper setback distances for wind turbines from property. This bill seeks to impose a setback distance of ten times the height of the turbine from any dwelling for turbines which are higher than 25 metres.
"Proper regulation should have been in place already but this bill seeks to rectify the mistakes made by the current and the previous government.
"It is important that there is correct management of renewable energy produced in Ireland. Ireland has binding targets for renewable energy that it must reach by 2020.
"The fact is that Ireland still produces most of its energy demands from imported fossil fuels. Any renewable energy that is produced in Ireland should go to lessen the fuel bills that many households find a burden. This bill seeks to ensure that Ireland's energy demands are met prior to renewable energy being exported.
"Proper planning is essential for developments in rural Ireland. The government cannot ignore the concerns of local communities who have concerns over the development of wind turbines."
(MH)
The Bill layout the party's proposals on the construction of industrial wind turbines, set back distances from properties and the use of energy generated from these wind turbines.
"This bill attempts to impose proper regulation of all aspects of wind turbine construction," Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Brian Stanley said.
Adding: "This includes proper zoning of areas for wind turbine developments, the duties of planning authorities, setback distances and the responsibility of decommissioning wind turbines.
"The Critical Infrastructure Act 2006, rammed through the Dáil by Fianna Fáil, can be used at present to override County Development Plans made by democratically elected Councillors.
"Our Bill restores the primacy of County Development Plans in that Wind Farms must be located only in areas zoned by local Councillors. Wind Farm projects must be consisted with County Development Plans.
"Many residents in the midlands have been rightly concerned about proper setback distances for wind turbines from property. This bill seeks to impose a setback distance of ten times the height of the turbine from any dwelling for turbines which are higher than 25 metres.
"Proper regulation should have been in place already but this bill seeks to rectify the mistakes made by the current and the previous government.
"It is important that there is correct management of renewable energy produced in Ireland. Ireland has binding targets for renewable energy that it must reach by 2020.
"The fact is that Ireland still produces most of its energy demands from imported fossil fuels. Any renewable energy that is produced in Ireland should go to lessen the fuel bills that many households find a burden. This bill seeks to ensure that Ireland's energy demands are met prior to renewable energy being exported.
"Proper planning is essential for developments in rural Ireland. The government cannot ignore the concerns of local communities who have concerns over the development of wind turbines."
(MH)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 March 2024
How Much Gambling Takes Place in Ireland?
When we think of Ireland, we may think of many things ranging from lush green landscapes to Guinness and Irish dancing, but it may be surprising to learn that the country has a passion for gambling.
How Much Gambling Takes Place in Ireland?
When we think of Ireland, we may think of many things ranging from lush green landscapes to Guinness and Irish dancing, but it may be surprising to learn that the country has a passion for gambling.
01 February 2010
Wind Farm Academy To Boost Donegal
A National Wind Energy Academy is being established at Letterkenny Institute of Technology as part of a €500,000 initiative being backed by the Donegal County Development Board. The first phase will see the development of a wind turbine maintenance programme which will be delivered in conjunction with BZEE, a German centre for renewable energy.
Wind Farm Academy To Boost Donegal
A National Wind Energy Academy is being established at Letterkenny Institute of Technology as part of a €500,000 initiative being backed by the Donegal County Development Board. The first phase will see the development of a wind turbine maintenance programme which will be delivered in conjunction with BZEE, a German centre for renewable energy.
21 March 2024
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Announces Resignation
Ireland's Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has announced that he will stand down as prime minister with immediate effect and leader of Fine Gael as soon as his successor is selected.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Announces Resignation
Ireland's Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has announced that he will stand down as prime minister with immediate effect and leader of Fine Gael as soon as his successor is selected.
14 March 2024
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
13 March 2024
Public Appeal After Third Confirmed Case Of Measles In Ireland
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced that it has been made aware of a third confirmed case of measles in the Republic of Ireland. It is understood that the case was confirmed in a resident of Ireland who had arrived back in the country from Abu Dhabi on Saturday 9 March 2024.
Public Appeal After Third Confirmed Case Of Measles In Ireland
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced that it has been made aware of a third confirmed case of measles in the Republic of Ireland. It is understood that the case was confirmed in a resident of Ireland who had arrived back in the country from Abu Dhabi on Saturday 9 March 2024.